Relocation info! (Los Angeles, Palmdale, San Fernando: real estate, apartment, for rent)

[msrn2004]

Hello to all! I have been offered a RN position at the Los Angeles VA. However, I am unfamiliar with the area. Will you good people please advise of neighborhoods/cities that I should look into. I am looking for a 4bdrm House to rent in a diverse, safe, and family oriented neighborhood. I have school age children (elementary and junior high ). I would like to keep the rent around $2500. I would prefer to keep the commute around 30 min. I appreciate all comments so thank you in advance.

[BRinSM]

not possible, sorry.

[volosong]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

not possible, sorry.

Yeah, pretty much. The cities in the Los Angeles basin are such that they are very spread out. Historically, building has been horizontal instead of up. This results in more expensive land than in more compact cities. Also, the VA center is fairly close to the ocean, some of the most desirable real estate in the area. Finally, a 30-minute commute in these parts would be considered a fairy short one. Traffic congestion is such that you will be living within a 10-mile radius of the VA, and there are either very good, (expensive), neighborhoods that close or very bad, (crime ridden).

[msrn2004]

Thank you for the input, may I ask what cities/neighborhoods would you suggest looking into that has a reasonable commute and what can I expect to pay for rent in those areas?

[volosong]

Sorry, I can't help you there. I currently live in Palmdale, (the desert north of the mountains in Los Angeles county). I have no idea what current rent is in the basin.

For others, perhaps you can specify what a "reasonable commute" is to you. For me, I've driven right an hour, one-way, for most of my life, so that is reasonable for me. I rather live on the fringes of the basin where there is some open space and not quite so congested. Only once in my long life have I lived close enough to bicycle into work.

[luckodeirish]

Better check the schools too. Many are very poor so you might have to up your kids in private school, which is expensive naturally.
Probably set your sights on an apartment not a house on your budget.

[nightlysparrow]

Try the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley as close to Ventura Blvd. as possible. Encino, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, so you can take either the 405, Beverly Glen, or Coldwater Canyon over to the VA. Try for a 3-bedroom, not a 4-bedroom.

[thelopez2]

Do you have regular daytime work hours? Expect to pay at least $850 per bedroom plus utilities for a free standing house 30 minutes away with traffic. I rent out a 4 bedroom on a busy street for $3400, a little less than 30 minutes from the VA so I consider that the lower price.

Traffic is just a huge variable.

[dodgerclue]

I don't think you can rent a 4BD+ house anywhere in LA Proper for under $3000 at the lowest. And for where the LA VA Hospital is located, you'll be looking at minimum 1hr+ commute each way to find something even remotely close to that price range/amenities.... I'm not too familiar with rent prices north of the VA Hospital but i would suggest maybe El Segundo. It's just south of LAX, not far distance-wise but the 405 traffic will be brutal and you'll have to deal with airplane noise from LAX. Best of luck in your search though.

[msrn2004]

Thanks everyone. I have the option of working either days or nights. It will either be 730a-8p or 730p-8a. I haven't decided.